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Chapter History

 
The Spirit of St. Louis Chapter was certified by the Board of Directors of the Missouri State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (MOSSAR) on 19 September 1981. Compatriot Burton W. Mayfield, the MOSSAR president as well as a charter member of the new Chapter, formally presented the charter to the group on 10 October 1981. The chapter was named "Spirit of St. Louis" to honor the many "Spirit of '76" ancestors of its members as well as to honor the famous airplane flown by Charles Lindbergh. Compatriot Joseph M. Menius was elected the first president of the Chapter.

The Spirit of St. Louis Chapter has been very active in recognizing good citizenship and meritorious public service and is active in community service.

Each year the community's outstanding Eagle Scout is recognized. The Eagle Scout and his parents are invited to a membership meeting where they are honored. Dr. Larry W. Schulze was Boy Scout Committee chairman for the first six years of for the Chapter. Since that time Compatriot Stephen Frederick Bugg has served in that capacity.

  • Sgt. George J. Seper and Judge William E. Crandall, Jr., have received the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal and Certificate.
  • The Gold Good Citizenship Medal was awarded to retired Senator Thomas Eagleton in 1987.
  • During Lt. Col. Richard F. Downey's presidency a War Service Medal was given to each member who had seen active duty in the armed forces of the U.S.
  • The Meritorious Service Medal has been awarded to Compatriots Larry W. Schulze, Roger C. Fuqua, Joseph M. Menius, Richard F. Downey and Joseph A. Preston.
  • Martha Washington medals were awarded to Millie Meyer Adams, Eleanor Martineau Coyle, and Nancy Loper Mayfield.
  • The Chapter gave a stained glass window to the newly erected Jefferson Barracks Cemetery Chapel.
  • As part of a joint project with the DAR and the SR, a 30' by 50' American flag was furnished to the Veiled Prophet Foundation for display on patriotic holidays. The flag flies over the Adams Mark Hotel and is visible from the grounds of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi Riverfront.
  • A limited lithograph of the Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington was presented to Mrs. Ruth Jones, chairman of the Sappington House Library. That lithograph now hangs in the Sappington House Library.
  • The Spirit of St. Louis Chapter was honored to be host for the 1987 MOSSAR meeting. Compatriot Joseph M. Menius was chairman of the committee. Highlights of the meeting included a memorial service in the Jefferson Barracks Cemetery Chapel, a barbecue dinner on the patio of the Ordinance Museum, a tour of the city for the ladies in attendance, and a military ball.